It was a forgone conclusion that the Ravens would use the tag on Rice. Even his agent, Todd France, said earlier this week that he knew it was coming.

Rice, 25, is seeking a long-term contract similar to that of Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson, who received a seven-year, $100 million ($36 million guaranteed) from the Vikings prior to the start of the 2011 season. Once Rice is tagged, he’ll be locked in for one year at an estimated $7.7 million, which gives the two sides more time to negotiate a long-term deal.

The Ravens have had the propensity of working out deals with high-profile players after using the tag on them. Those names include Chris McAlister, Terrell Suggs and Haloti Ngata, who all signed long-term extensions after being slapped with the tag.